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PSYCHOLOGY 206 WINTER 2005 OPTION C: INSTITUTION REPORT TERM PROJECT DUE: THURSDAY, MARCH 10. To help yourself realize the possible impact of community institutions on a person's development, conduct a study of a local institution, formal or informal. This assignment requires you to visit an institution and observe the activities and to interview at least one experienced worker at the institution. The first step should be to read sections in the textbook pertaining to the services the institution you’ve chosen provides and the target population(s). Institution Visits Visit an institution that is intended, at least in part, to serve developmental needs. It can be a formal organization (a school, a nursing home) or an informal institution (a park where preschoolers play, a health club). Use both naturalistic observation and information gathered from talking with various staff members and clients to understand the institution. Begin your report by describing the institution, including the numbers of people it serves and their characteristics. Describe the type and range of services. Describe “the feel” of the place and what you see going on when you visit. Include both quantitative and qualitative data in your final paper. Then evaluate the institution. In what ways do you think it fosters and/or hinders development? What do the people who are involved with the institution think about it? If you could change it, and had unlimited funds, what would you do and why? If you could change it, but had to stay within the present budget, what would you do and why? Institution Interviews People who work with an institution's clients can teach you a great deal about their unique needs, problems, and solutions. Using the semi-structured interview technique (described in the handout “Suggested Format For Interviews” ), talk to a professional or lay worker concerned with human development in the institution you have selected. Try to interview an experienced person who has been working directly with clients. Some sample questions are provided, although you would want to adapt your interview to your particular subject, interests, and institution. Sample Questions What are your goals and how are you meeting them? What problems do you see in the group you work with, and what solutions have you developed? What is your opinion of the clients you work with? What measures does your organization take to encourage healthy development? How effective are these measures? What changes would you like to see in the institution? What gratifications and disappointments have you experienced in your work? Suggested Subjects for Institution Interviews: genetic counselor childbirth preparation class leader neonatal care unit nurse La Leche League coordinator day-care worker staff member at a children's park or camp teacher (Montessori school, public school, private school) school psychologist social worker dealing with child abuse lifeguard at local pool Little League coach juvenile court officials (police officers, probation officers, judges) businesspersons working with children or adolescents (record store, pizza parlor, toy store) high school teacher, coach, or guidance counselor college career counselor Planned Parenthood counselor health club exercise teacher staff member of displaced homemaker center member of Alcoholics Anonymous minister, priest, rabbi, nun, or layperson concerned with religious values retirement counselor medical professional working with the elderly activities director of a nursing home coordinator of college courses or programs serving senior citizens (If possible, you may also want to interview a client who is using the services of the institution. Be sure to check with staff to determine if this is appropriate before you begin.) The final paper should be between 10 and 12 pages, keyboarded and double-spaced with one inch margins. Please use font size of 12. Feel free to include photographs, raw data, or any other material that you would like as long as you have the required 10-12 pages of substantive written material.
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